National data trends indicate these interventions have had their intended consequences. After documented increases in the number of U.S. opioid prescriptions from 1999–2010 (3, 8), the number of prescriptions stabilized beginning in 2010 and from 2012–2017 steadily declined (8–12). In addition, the average per capita opioid dose increased from 2006–2010, then declined from 2010–2015 (12). Finally, the prevalence of persons who use prescription opioids for non-medical reasons has decreased in recent years (13, 14).
